A man has been arrested on suspicion of sexual assault in Kettering.

Police were called to a property in Windmill Avenue at 5.45am today (Tuesday, July 28) following a report of a sexual assault.

A spokesman for Northamptonshire Police said the man, who is 46 years old, is currently in custody.

Supermarket giant Tesco is battling childhood obesity and has revealed plans to axe a number of its best-selling sugary drinks and juices at stores nationwide.

A number of soft drinks with added sugar – such as Capri Sun, Ribena and Robinson’s Fruit Shoot – will be replaced with healthier alternatives.

But the change will only take place after children return to school from their summer holidays, according to trade magazine The Grocer.

Health campaigners have called on other supermarkets to follow Tesco’s lead in cracking down on sugary drinks, in an attempt to tackle childhood obesity.

David Beardmore, Tesco’s soft drinks buying manager, told The Grocer: “This is part of our 10-point plan against obesity and we have decided that from September we will only sell no-added-sugar drinks in the kids’ juice category. Most of the suppliers are supportive of it and understand what we are doing.”

The Grocer also reported Tesco has committed to a five per cent year-on-year reduction in the amount of sugar in its soft drinks.

Tim Freed, editor of the Toddle About magazine, said: “In general it’s a very good decision. There are obviously issues with the amount of sugar we are in taking as a nation.

“Any move to help to reduce sugar is a welcome one. I definitely agree choice is an issue. In an ideal world everyone would be educated on the risks and make their own decisions.

“But at the same time there is a big issue with the amount of sugar children are eating and drinking.”

The latest Gallone’s ice cream parlour will open in Northampton town centre on Saturday.

Gallone’s will open its first town centre parlour in Northampton in August, marking the 80th anniversary of Gallone’s ice cream being made in the town.

Gallone’s Ice Cream Parlour will open in Abington Street this Saturday (August 1), with doors opening to the public from 9.30am.

It will be the biggest parlour to date opened by the 80-year-old company.

The new parlour will stock 32 of Gallone’s own homemade flavours, including ‘the best vanilla ice cream in the UK’ and ‘the best old English toffee’ according to two recent awards.

Also on the menu will be the Bellini sorbet, winner of the Great Taste Award 2013 plus a recently introduced frozen yoghurt range.

The parlour will be open seven days a week, and will also sell hot and cold drinks and cakes.

Gallone’s is a family run business that has been making and selling ice cream across the UK since 1895, and in Northampton since 1935. Their ice cream is currently supplied to several supermarkets including Waitrose.

Following the success of their ice cream sales, the Gallone family opened parlours in Kingsthorpe and Market Harborough, both of which were such a success that the family decided to allow franchisees to set up parlours and sell their ice cream across the UK.

Gallone’s Northampton will be the one of the first Gallone’s franchises.

Aldo Gallone, owner of Gallone’s Ice Cream comments: “Having sold ice cream to the people of Northampton for 80 years, the Gallone’s family felt that it was about time the town centre had a parlour, and we’re really excited to be bringing Gallone’s into town just in time for the summer holidays.”

Andrew Hambidge, owner of Gallone’s Northampton adds: “I’m aware of just how popular the Gallone’s brand is within the town and am looking forward to opening the parlour to the public. All are welcome at our Grand Opening, where you’ll have the chance to sample the huge variety of ice cream flavours that Gallone’s have to offer.”

Gallone’s Northampton will seat around 60 people and will be open seven days a week from 9am to 6.30pm Monday to Saturday and from 10am to 6.30pm on a Sunday.

The company has taken on 10 part and full time staff in preparation for the launch.

A police officer who lives in Northamptonshire dragged an innocent man to the ground and stamped on his hand after mistaking him for a missing dementia suffer.

PC John Richardson, 50, of King’s Cliffe, and PC David Littlemore were in Peterborough looking for a man in his 70s with Alzheimer’s who had disappeared from his home.

They saw victim John Morgan, 59, who was sitting on a park bench as he was out with his Jack Russell Winston.

Littlemore, 35, approached him and Mr Morgan, who has poor sight and diabetes, told him he was not the right man but refused to give his name and address.

A court heard Littlemore suspected Mr Morgan was putting on an accent because he spoke with a Welsh accent.

Mr Morgan told the court he was then ‘dragged to the floor’ by Littlemore and Richardson, who twisted his arms behind his back.

His phone and glasses fell to the ground and he said Richardson repeatedly stamped on his right hand.

Mr Morgan was only released when Littlemore confirmed via his radio that the missing man’s dog was a Staffordshire bull terrier type – not a Jack Russell.

District Judge Susan Holdham today sentenced both PCs to three months in prison suspended for two years and fined them £1,030 each.

She said: “I have heard a lot about how stressful and difficult this time has been for the officers.

“You have both lost good character and probably whatever the sentence you will lose your employment.

“However, I remember what I saw at the trial.

“I saw a man who was, if not actually frail, certainly not robust.

“A man with various ailments and, although not related to the case, with diabetes who had to have part of his foot amputated.

“He was a man minding his own business with his dog that day you came up to him.

“You asked him for his name and address as you thought he might be the missing gentleman with Alzheimer’s.

“When he refused he was brought to the floor, he was punched, constrained, had his thumb bent back to release a dog lead and hand stood on.

“I still find it very difficult to understand what was going through your minds that day.

“You could have thought he was a vulnerable man who said he needed safeguarding.

“And to this day I do not understand how taking a man like that to the floor is safeguarding.

“I saw Mr Morgan was very reasonable and particularly depressed as he had to have his foot amputated since.

“This happened because he did not give his name and address and he was dealt with as if is some kind of police state and taken to the floor for not giving their name and address.

“He was either a 76-year-old man with Alzheimer’s or he was an innocent man who refused to give his name and address.

“It is vital society has faith in their police officers and society is entitled to look to police officers to use their powers responsibly and that was not done that day.”

Mike Humphreys, prosecuting, told the district judge in Luton the PCs had “no legal authority to do what they did”.

District Judge Holdham agreed and said Mr Morgan had every right to free himself from PC Richardson holding his arm.

Mr Morgan refused to give his details when approached by the officer in the park by Severn Close in Peterborough in August last year.

Retired engineer Mr Morgan told the court earlier this month: “Officer two on my right [Richardson] wrenched my thumb back from my index finger and tried to get the dog lead out of my hand.

“He then stamped on my hand repeatedly and a lot of pressure was put on my back by officer one [Littlemore]. It could have killed me.

“I remember asking them about my human rights and taking their collar numbers which I forgot, being very disorientated.

“I remember officer two [Richardson] saying he ‘did not care’ repeatedly about my vulnerability.”

The missing man was described as wearing a hat, check shirt, brown cord trousers, brown shoes and had a black and white dog with him.

Mr Morgan was described as wearing a similar outfit, also with a black and white dog, but wearing but black combat trousers.

It was confirmed in a radio conversation between PC Littlemore and another officer that the missing man did not have a Welsh accent.

The missing man was found later that day and Richardson assisted in taking him home to his family.

Littlemore, of Wittering, Cambridgeshire, and Richardson, both denied assault by beating, but were found guilty by the judge earlier this month.

The judge ordered Richardson to carry out 200 unpaid work and Littlemore is required to complete 150 hours’ unpaid work.

Both were ordered to pay £1,030 – £450 compensation to Mr Morgan, costs of £500 and a victim surcharge of £80.

Littlemore has 10 years service with Cambridgeshire Police and Richardson has been with the same force for 18 years.

Littlemore’s parents, wife and sister were in court.

Richardson and Littlemore both refused to comment as they left court.

They were both suspended from duty following the guilty verdict and will face internal misconduct proceedings by Cambridgeshire Police.

Det Supt Mark Hodgson, head of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Professional Standards Department, said: “We want the public and our own employees to feel confident about raising concerns about the conduct of our officers and staff and we will always investigate these cases thoroughly and ensure prosecutions are brought where appropriate.

“All our officers must act within the lawful execution of their duties and on this occasion these officers clearly did not.”

A 70-year-old man who grew cannabis in his house as he was using it as a painkiller to treat his chronic back pain has been given a suspended prison sentence.

Brian Partridge, of New Street, Brixworth, was charged with possession of a class B drug after officers found 26 cannabis plants when they raided his home on June 4.

Partridge was also charged with possession with intent to supply as officers also found deal bags and a set of electronic scales in his property.

In police interview, Partridge said he used the cannabis for health reasons and used the income from dealing it to his friends and family to help pay for the class B drugs.

Michael Coley, mitigating, said Partridge suffered from chronic back pain as a result of an industrial accident he had suffered during his working life.

Mr Coley said his client found painkillers were ineffective so he had started using cannabis as an alternative form of treatment.

Partridge pleaded guilty to a charge of possessing a class B drug with intent to supply and another count of possessing a class B drug.

Recorder Stuart Sprawson sentenced Partridge to eight months in prison, suspended for 18 months. He was also given a four-week curfew order from 9pm to 7am.

Recorder Sprawson said: “You are 70 years old and you know full well what you were doing was wrong.”

The M1 northbound on the Northamptonshire border has been reopened after it was closed for several hours after a crash involving a number of cars.

The motorway was blocked in both directions at junction 14 shortly after 8.30am to allow for the air ambulance to land.

The northbound carriageway was blocked for several hours this monring leading to nine-mile tailbacks to junction 12.

The carriageway has now reopened but motorists are still experiencing delays.

Two men with links to Northamptonshire have appeared on BBC Crimewatch’s 10 ‘Most Wanted’ list.

Detectives want to question Winston Reid over rape, blackmail and assault allegations.

Reid is 52 years old, although he sometimes says he’s ten years younger. He also calls himself Malik Shabazz.

He has links to Northamptonshire, Norfolk, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire and may be working as a personal trainer.

Anyone with information should contact Northamptonshire Police on 03000 111 222 - incident number 468.

Police would also like to speak to 32-year-old Christopher Bunn.

He was arrested in connection with offences regarding indecent images of children but failed to contact officers after he was released on police bail.

Bunn has links to Brighton, Norfolk, Bristol, Ireland and Northamptonshire and is known to attend music festivals.

Anyone with any information should call the incident room on 01273 404041.

A conman who tricked homeowners in south Northamptonshire into handing over thousands of pounds after he claimed the solar panels on their house were a fire hazard has received an eight-month jail sentence.

Wayne Witham, aged 32, told his victims that the solar panels on their houses were causing “power surges” when he phoned them and claimed to be from National Grid.

Northampton Crown Court heard Witham, of Abington Square, Northampton, was a solar panel salesman and had a list of all the properties in the county that had solar panels.

Jenna Allen, prosecuting, said Witham phoned a woman who lived in Silverstone on April 24 and told her she needed urgent repairs to her solar panels as they were a “fire risk”.

Witham, who put on a false accent and said he was from the National Grid, also made simialr calls to a homeowners with solar panels in Kislingbury and Syresham.

The court heard Witham then went round to the addresses and asked for either cash or a cheque to pay for new parts to fix the solar panel fuse box.

Ms Allen said Witham was arrested after one of the victim’s became suspicious and arranged for her son to be home when he came to fix the solar panel.

The court heard the woman “stalled” the man while her son called the police.

After he was arrested, Witham admitted to the fraud, which totalled £3,650.

In police interview, Witham said he had used an old circuit board from his laptop , claiming it was a new part, and had then sat in the victim’s property for 15 minutes “doing nothing”.

Witham was jailed fro eight months by Recorder Stuart Sprawson who said he had “deliberately deceived people” to benefit financially.

An investigation into claims former MP Cyril Smith was released from custody despite images of child abuse being found in his car in the early 1980s has been closed by Northamptonshire Police.

In a statement released today, the force said a cold case team assigned to look into the claims about Smith, who died in 2010, had interviewed more than 60 police staff, including the two Chief Constables in post during the period under investigation.

The investigation was started after Rochdale MP Simon Danczuk claimed in his book that material was allegedly discovered in the back of Smith’s car when he was stopped on the M1 in Northamptonshire more than 30 years ago.

He went on to claim the MP was released from police custody after making a call to an unidentified third party in London.

Several members of the public have been interviewed about the allegations as well as Mr Danczuk himself and another journalist, Don Hale, who has written about Mr Smith.

The Crown Prosecution Service has also searched Northamptonshire Police’s archives for relevant information and Special Branch have undertaken a manual trawl of the archives.

A spokesman for Northamptonshire Police said: “Northamptonshire Police has now carried out a transparent, professional and proportionate investigation to establish if the alleged events happened and whether any senior influence was exerted or details were hidden over the decisions made.

“To date, no witness has been found who saw Smith in custody or was involved in his arrest and no reports of the alleged incident have been uncovered.

“Furthermore, no witnesses have been found from Special Branch or any other senior influence, while a primary witness – a canteen worker mentioned in the book – cannot be identified.”

Assistant Chief Constable Ivan Balhatchet, who has overseen the investigation for the Force, said: “Despite speaking to a number of people, a confirmed recollection of these alleged events cannot be ascertained.

“We need to reassure the public we have invested in this investigation and that we are taking the allegations seriously.

“We’d invite anyone who has information to come forward. While the inquiry is now closed, new information will be carefully reviewed if and when it comes through.”

Musicians in Northamptonshire have a chance to have their music professionally produced and released with a new project at the University of Northampton.

The Best of Northants aims to instigate creative collaborations between local musicians, producers and artists – and will result in a series of albums and eps featuring different genres of original music being released on The university’s own record label, Avenue Music, and other professional outlets.

The project is a collaboration with InMusicInMedia, a social enterprise company dedicated to supporting young people and their musical development, set up by university graduate Daniel Johnson.

Professional DJ and popular music student at the University, Steph Smith, who is co-ordinating The Best of Northants, said: “The project aims to initiate the building of a network among local musicians, artists and producers, highlighting the area’s artistic and musical talent, and nurturing creative collaborations by putting people in touch with each other.

“The benefits for those taking part will include the chance to further their professional development, have the opportunity to record and/or produce in the University’s professional studio and gain enhanced exposure for their work.”

The first recording sessions, which will focus on hip hop, are due to start in mid-August.Those wishing to take part, or find out more about The Best of Northants, can email info@inmusicinmedia.com or visit www.inmusicinmedia.com.

To find out more about the University’s record label Avenue Music, which is run by popular music students, visit www.facebook.com/avenuemusicuon.

Police have confirmed that a 35-year-old woman died in a multi-vehicle collision on the M1 near Northamptonshire yesterday.

The woman, from Bedford, driving a black Volkswagen Golf and was declared dead at the scene.

Three other occupants of vehicles were taken to Milton Keynes Hospital for treatment to minor injuries.

Police were called to the scene on the northbound carriageway at 7.55am following the collision on the exit slip road of Junction 14. Four cars and a heavy goods vehicle were involved.

A 55-year-old man from Warwickshire was arrested yesterday on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He has been bailed until September 5.

Sgt Simon Hills from the Joint Operations Unit for Roads Policing, said: “The collision happened at a very busy time of the morning so we would ask anyone who witnessed it to contact us. With five vehicles involved it was quite a large scene but we were able to keep one lane open.

Thames Valley Police are appealing for witnesses.

A spokesman said: “We would like to thank the public for their patience while we worked with our emergency services partners to help those involved and carry out our investigation.

“However it was extremely disappointing to see some people taking photos and footage on their phones while we were trying to help those involved. I am not sure why anyone would think that kind of behaviour is in any way acceptable or respectful to those involved or their loved ones.”

If you have any information which can assist with the investigation please call the 24-hour Thames Valley Police enquiry centre on 101.

Drivers have been warned to brace themselves for a further 18 months of delays on the M1 after more information was released about the new Smart motorway scheme.

Current work on the M1 which has plagued motorists for the last 12 months is due to come to end within eight weeks. But work will immediately start on the new Smart motorway between junctions 16 and 19 of the M1.

Earlier this year, the Highways Agency would not confirm how long this new work was expected to last.

But this afternoon a spokesman said the Smart motorway work was due to last between 12 to 18 months and that motorists should expect similar levels of disruption during that time.

The agency says that the upgrade of the motorway will make improvements in the long run and has launched an online exhibition to inform drivers of the benefits.

A spokesman said: “As part of the ‘smart motorway’ upgrade, the hard shoulder will be converted to a traffic lane and signing and technology will tell drivers what speed to drive at, if lanes are blocked or closed and about incidents up ahead. Work is set to begin in the autumn.

“The virtual exhibition will give people the opportunity to view and comment on the scheme. People interested in the planned motorway upgrade, will be able to visit the online exhibition until November 30, 2015,” he said.

Asad Khan, Highways England project lead, said: “We are very pleased to have launched our interactive web-based digital public exhibition today. We believe this will be a much more convenient and innovative way to inform road users, the local community and our stakeholders about the construction work and its possible implications, for both those living close to the motorway and those using the motorway on a regular basis.”

The High Sheriff of Northamptonshire, Dr Ahmed Muktar who got the opportunity to have a closer look at the online exhibition said: “I travel through the M1 junctions 19 to 16 extensively, both in my official capacity as the High Sheriff of Northamptonshire and as a private road user.

“I was very interested to learn more about Highways England’s plans to convert this long stretch of road to a smart motorway.

“I found the scheme’s digital public information exhibition both interesting and useful. I recommend it to Northamptonshire residents, businesses, our extensive transport hub and other users of the M1 who want to find out what will be happening along the route.”

The digital public information exhibition can be found at www.highways.gov.uk/roads/road-projects/m1-junctions-19-to-16-all-lane-running/

Two men believed to have taken drugs in Kettering have died in the past five days.

The first involved a 46-year-old man who died on Sunday afternoon after being found at an address in Stamford Road.

The second man, 33, was found collapsed at the Earl of Dalkeith pub in Dalkeith Place last night.

Investigations into what caused the deaths of the men are still taking place, although both were known to be regular drug users.

Detective Chief Inspector Elliot Foskett, from CID, said: “We are still awaiting toxicology results so are unable to confirm if the men had taken drugs and what substances they had taken if they did.

“However, we are urging those who regularly use drugs in Northamptonshire to be extra vigilant about what they are taking following the deaths and to seek medical help as soon as possible should they need it.

“Anyone who does regularly uses drugs and would like to seek help or advice can contact Substance 2 Solutions, on (01604) 211304.”

Police in Northamptonshire have issued a warning to drug users in the county to be vigilant about what they are taking following the deaths of the two men which are believed to be drug-related.

Activities to keep youngsters occupied during the summer holidays are being held at Daventry Leisure Centre from next Wednesday, August 5.

A roller disco on August 5, water ‘zorbing’ on August 12, mad science workshops on August 19 and an end-of-summer party on August 26 are among the events which have been organised on Wednesdays throughout August.

The sessions all start at 12.30pm and 2pm and parents are welcome to join the roller disco and water zorbing for £1.

Daventry Country Park is also hosting a series of Monday mini-adventures.

Sessions run from 10.30am to midday and include outdoor wilderness skills sessions with Bear Wilderness on August 10 and 24, and the Adventure Trail on August 3 and 17.

Children must be supervised during these activities.

Cllr Alan Hills said: “This is another packed programme of activities for youngsters over the school summer holidays.

“From old favourites such as the water zorbing, to new additions like the wilderness skills sessions at the Country Park, I think there is something for everyone here.

“We know how difficult it can be for parents to keep children entertained during the holidays so we try to keep the activities affordable and I would encourage as many families as possible take advantage of these sessions and have a brilliant time.”

Booking on 01327 871100 is recommended for all sessions as spaces are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. For more visit www.daventrydc.gov.uk/leisure/summer.

The site manager at a forthcoming development in Byfield has received a special award from the National House Building Council.

Mark Horne, site manager at Davidsons Homes new development, dubbed Foxglove Field, at Clock Meadow, has been presented with a Quality Award.

He is one of 450 site managers around the country who have received the award from an initial pool of 15,000 applications.

Mark said: “Winning an NHBC award means such a lot as it recognises the ability to consistently manage a site to a very high standard, amongst a quality contested field, in order to meet the exact needs of each NHBC inspection.

“Every development has its challenges and the demands on a site manager to coordinate trades and materials is paramount. This is not only an award for myself, but recognises the team effort.”

Chay Walker, Davidsons construction director, said: “It’s great that Mark’s work has been recognised. This is a new area for us so it’s very pleasing that our first development should receive an award for quality.”

More than £17,000 has been raised for the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance (WNAA) at an evening ball and auction held near Daventry.

Sir James Shuckburgh and his partner Clare hosted the ball at Shuckburgh Hall in Lower Shuckburgh in May - and because all the auction prizes were donated, it was possible to raise so much money. The £17,851 raised is enough to cover ten missions for the WNAA.

Sir James Shuckburgh said: “We are delighted by the total raised and to be supporting the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance. With no government funding, the organisation relies on us all to make sure we keep our air ambulance in the sky.”

Tracy Grunwell, national partnerships manager at the WNAA, said: ”I was absolutely delighted that Sir James and Claire came to our base and I was able to show them around and let them see for themselves how their amazing donation will make a huge difference - not just to us, but also to the patients and families that we rescue.”

Between September 21 and 27, volunteers for the WNAA will be handing out thousands of yellow pin badges in exchange for donations during the first Air Ambulance Week.

Anyone can volunteer or be a house-to-house collector or coordinate collections in their area. To find out more and sign up, visit www.theairambulanceservice.org.uk/give or call 08454 130999.

Children designed their own coat of arms for a Magna Carta-inspired competition at Falconer’s Hill Infant School.

The competition was arranged by Daventry District Council and Cllr Deanne Eddon attended an assembly to award eight pupils with winners’ scrolls and trophies.

Every child in the school took part and organisers said they produced beautiful designs - everyone who participated was also given a certificate.

Teachers were locked in stocks and soaked by students from Daventry University Technical College to raise money for good causes.

The money raised is being split evenly between COPE – a non-for-profit organization from Laos, helping those affected by undiscovered cluster bombs from the Vietnam War and Bantayan Central Elementary School in Philippines which was destroyed by Typhoon Yolanda in 2013 when in total 6,340 people were killed.

From the principal to teachers and IT support staff students were allowed to lob wet sponges at a chosen member of staff.

Daventry’s UTC Engagement and Learning Mentor Adam Tarbox said: “Last year I toured around Asia on a six month trip where I was volunteering in different schools.

“Here, in England our students are provided with the best possible education and sometimes we all take it for granted. At the UTC we have now started building relations between our students and the students in Philippines in order to learn about their culture and share ours.

“Half of the money we raised last Friday, £83, will provide one person with a prosthetic leg and another two people with rehabilitation equipment.”

Aside from a non-uniform day, the Soak-a-Teacher challenge was the first in a series of events that the students have planned for the next twelve months, aiming to raise £3,000 in total.

Zoe Hancox and Alex Gold – members of the DUTC Student Leadership Team who organised the fundraising day said: “The whole day was fantastic. We have raised £167 in total which is a lot more than we had expected as most of our year groups have already broke-up for the summer holiday.”

People in Daventry are being urged to think about donating blood this month as stocks tend to dip to their lowest during the summer months.

A spokesman for NHS Blood and Transplant said: “Some blood group stocks can dip in the summer and with red blood cells only having a shelf life of 35 days and platelets a shelf life of five days, blood cannot be stockpiled.

“Because of this, it is important that both existing and new blood donors come forward during the summer months, so we can ensure that vital supplies of blood are available for the patients that need them.

“Every blood donation is vital, but NHS Blood and Transplant particularly needs to ensure supplies of the universal blood group O Rh Negative which is often in short supply. We also need to ensure supplies of the rarer blood groups A Rh Negative, B Rh Negative and AB Rh Negative.”

To book an appointment visit www.blood.co.uk or call 0300 123 23 23.

Daventry’s cultural future was the hot topic as an expert panel faced questions at the iCon Centre earlier this month.

Organised by Cllr Abigail Campbell, Cllr Catherine Lomax, Cllr Alan Hills, Chris Heaton Harris MP and Sarah Sims from Daventry & District Housing, the event was part of the three-week long Daventry Arts Festival which has seen the town and surrounding villages filled with three week’s of arts and craft themed activities.

The panel included Daventry MP Chris Heaton-Harris, Royal and Derngate chief executive Martin Sutherland, Laura Malpas from the National Trust, John Cairns from the Arts Council and Vicky Martin of the Canal and River Trust.

The debate was chaired by BBC Radio Northampton presenter Martin Heath and was watched by a small but passionate audience.

Cllr Alan Hills, the culture portfolio holder at Daventry Council, gave an opening address and each panellist spoke of their views on culture and heritage in Daventry before questions were taken from the audience.

Topics covered included a lack of infrastructure and venues, that the iCon centre is often underused and how more should be made of the history of Borough Hill, at the site itself. Martin Sutherland also talked about how the regeneration of Northampton was being led by cultural change and that every £1 invested in the Royal & Derngate led to a £10 return for the local economy.

Cllr Campbell said, “This feels like the start of something big. We know that greater access to culture and heritage has a positive effect on how people feel about where they live, and also on the health of the local economy.

“Many passionate views were shared and I was really pleased that a range of ages were present.

“There were some fantastic suggestions from the audience and the panel. I really hope that Daventry District Council and other local leaseholders consider the idea of giving short leases to creative businesses for ‘pop-up shops’, gallery spaces or studios in empty units in the town centre. I also love the idea of having a bandstand at the Recreation Ground.

“I would like to thank everyone who took part in the event, especially Daventry & District Housing, without whom Daventry Arts Festival would not exist.”

Anybody wanting to find out more about the next steps of improving culture and heritage in the district can email acampbell@daventrydc.gov.uk or phone 07989 421836.